CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: WCNC Charlotte is identifying this teen suspect because he is now being tried as an adult. A mugshot was not available as of publication.
A Charlotte teen accused of killing another teen in February 2024 will be tried as an adult.
Court records reviewed by WCNC Charlotte revealed that Christopher Butler underwent a transfer hearing on April 18, 2024, and is now in the adult court system in Mecklenburg County. Butler is now being held in jail on a $300,000 secured bond.
Butler, who was 16 when he was arrested in March 2024, is accused of shooting and killing 17-year-old Melakah Corbette in early February. The shooting happened along Pitts Drive, just off Beatties Ford Road.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said Corbette died at the scene.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch says teens are automatically tried as adults at age 18 for any crimes they allegedly commit. Juveniles aged 13 or older can be transferred to adult criminal court if a juvenile court judge finds probable cause that the teen committed a felony offense and oversees a transfer hearing. Additionally, some transfers to adult court are mandatory.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.